Life of a grom: lennox Chell

Imagine you’re 12 years old.

Then imagine you’re in Australia. And you’re staying at a big apartment overlooking Snapper Rocks. And that the best kids your age are right alongside you. And that the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast is on, so the best kids that aren’t your age (see: adults on the CT) are here too. In heaven yet?

Nope. Still earth — but a really, really awesome life on earth. It’s the life Lennox Chell has been living this week.

We sat down with him to find out exactly how it all feels.

What’s the best thing about being here?

It’s all been amazing. I get to hang with friends from all over the world and go surf. Plus, we get to surf with all the pro guys and try to copy what they do.

So, who’s been surfing the best?

Maybe Wilko. Or Connor O’Leary. And Mick and Parko. My hero is Gabriel Medina, and I’ve got to see him surf which was sick. But I think I like Mick the best because he’s such a nice guy and always has time to say hello and that.

What do you do when you’re not surfing?

Just hang out and do some homework. I’ve been asking some of the older boys stuff about chicks and all that and hearing heaps of funny stories. But I’m not on Tinder just yet.

Been getting into any trouble?

We were yelling at people off the veranda one day then trying to hide when they looked up. We yelled at Kelly and I think he got real mad at us.

Anything you’ve learned from being here?

Watching all the pro guys, you get to see how they approach a wave and how they approach a session. And then you get to see all the guys taking photos and learn how to get a good one. It’s been rad!